Parker (Meriden, CT) VHE Grade Skeet shotgun

This single selective trigger gun features auto ejectors, a
pistol grip stock with beavertail forearm and 26 inch barrels. The
barrels are choked (right) with nine points of constriction and
(left) with ten points of constriction. The overall weight of this
shotgun is 6 pounds, 10 ounces.

Parker shotguns are prized by both collector and hunter as being
among the finest in the world. These handcrafted sporting arms
trace their origin to Meriden, Connecticut, where in 1832, Charles
Parker established a shop for the manufacture of hardware and
various household goods, including coffee mills and waffle
irons.

As the Civil War approached, Parker became interested in other
ventures, including the manufacture of steam engines and machine
tools. Next came the establishment of the Parker Snow Co., which
produced Model 1861 Springfield rifles under contract for the U.S.
Army. Parker, in partnership with William and George Miller, formed
the Meriden Manufacturing Co. for the production of Triplett and
Scott repeating carbines. In post-war years, this firm altered
muzzle-loading military rifles utilizing the Miller's
breech-loading patent of 1865.

Soon afterward, Parker brought his sons Wilber and Dexter into
the business, forming the firm of Parker Brothers for the purpose
of manufacturing side-by-side sporting shotguns featuring a
lifter-type action. Charles A. King, a former designer with Smith
& Wesson, later reworked the earlier Parker designs and
replaced the lifter action with one that featured a top latch. King
also designed the first hammerless Parker. Another series of design
changes occurred in the early years of the 20th century, when James
Hayes patented a revised cocking system that greatly reduced the
number of parts used.

The addition of a single trigger, a ventilated rib, and a
beavertail fore end, all took place during the 1920s, virtually
completing the evolutionary process of the Parker. Parker Brothers
remained in business from 1867 until 1934, when the firm was
acquired by the Remington Arms Co. Parker shotguns continued to be
manufactured in Meriden until 1938, when production moved to
Remington's Ilion, New York facilities. Both the Parker name and
line were discontinued in 1942. Nearly 243,000 guns were produced
during this period. Parker Brothers shotguns are well-known for
their quality and craftsmanship, as well as for their fine
appointments, including engraving and checkering. Noted engraver
Gustave Young is known to have embellished some Parker guns.

Although many Parkers featured external hammers and Damascus
barrels, hammerless models with modern steel barrels command the
highest prices among collectors. These fine guns are also found
with a variety of barrel and stock lengths, styles, and chokes,
markings, lever placement, locking systems, and other features. The
Parker Brothers reputation, as well as their rarity, make these
sporting arms much sought after among collectors, shooters, and
enthusiasts.